This is a very simple way to put together food for a group of sports enthusiasts who are hanging out at your home to watch the game. It’s also great for a child’s party. All you need is a couple of slow cookers and you can put together a buffet bar that features hot dogs, bowls full of chili, and nachos. It’s simple, and it’s sure to impress your guests. The best part is that you get to spend time visiting or watching the game instead of being trapped in the kitchen and chained to your stove. This is a great meal idea for get togethers with friends for Superbowl, March Madness, or the World Series. I’ve even used this for birthday parties. How does this bar work? It’s simple. First, fill one slow cooker with hot dogs and cover them with water. Add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the water and a pinch of both nutmeg and cumin. This cooking method is referred to as the dirty water cooking method. Turn the slow cooker to high until the hot dogs are heated through. Then, turn it back down to low to keep the dogs hot.
In another slow cooker, cook or reheat chili. You can make a pot of chili a day or two ahead of time and just reheat it on the day you’ll be expecting your guests. I always find that the chili has a much better flavor on the second day. Again, turn the slow cooker to high and reheat your chili. It takes about 2 hours on high. Once your chili is hot, turn your slow cooker to low, or warm, to keep your chili hot throughout the party.
In addition to your two slow cookers, you will need the following :
- A platter full of hot dog buns
- Condiments like mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish
- Toppings like diced tomatoes, diced onion, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pickled jalapeno slices
- A bowl full of tortilla chips
- Bowls, plates, and utensils for serving and eating.
Once everything is arranged on the table, it’s easy for your guests to serve themselves. With this assortment of condiments and foods, it’s possible for party goers to choose from several different options.
- Hot Dogs with traditional toppings
- Chili Dogs or Chili Cheese Dogs
- A bowl of chili topped with cheese and onion
- Chips topped with chili, cheese, and other toppings to make nachos
It’s a simple, but versatile, buffet bar, and that’s why we like it. We think it’s more fun when our guests can create something of their own. For instance, have you ever had a guacamole dog?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always add a third slow cooker filled with Queso Dip. It’s delicious, and it makes a great addition to both nachos and hot dogs.
Give this buffet a try and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.Thanks for visiting Patty Cake’s Pantry.
- 2 packages of hot dogs
- Water go cover hot dogs
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or beer
- Hearty pinch of cumin
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pour 1 cup water into slow cooker.
- Add vinegar (or beer) and spices to water.
- Place hot dogs in slow cooker.
- Cover them with water.
- Turn slow cooker to high until hot dogs are heated through. They may begin to swell.
- Reduce heat to low, or warm, to keep food hot during game time or the birthday party.

Nutrition information is for one regular sized Slow Cooker All Beef Hot Dog on a bun without condiments.
Nutrition Facts |
Amount Per Serving |
Calories 255
|
% Daily Value
|
Total Fat 14.9g
23%
|
Saturated Fat 5.0g
25%
|
Trans Fat 0.0g
|
Cholesterol 25mg
8%
|
Sodium 611mg
25%
|
Total Carbohydrates 23.7g
8%
|
Dietary Fiber 0.0g
0%
|
Sugars 2.0g
|
Protein 9.0g
|
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
|
Calcium 4%
Iron 4%
|
A hot dog bar is a great idea!
We loved it. It was fun and easy to set up. Everyone enjoyed being able to make their own dogs how they wanted them, and it was easy on the hosts, too.
This would be a fabulous idea for my son’s 11th birthday this summer. Thanks!
The first time I made a hotdog bar was for my son’s birthday. I hope your son likes it. I know that you’ll love how easy it is to put together.
What a great idea!
I’m glad you like it.
This recipe is so much fun! I love hot dogs, but have never made them in a slow cooker before. What a great idea! I’ll have to try this soon!
I wanted to be able to interact with my guests and not be stuck in the kitchen. Everyone loves hot dogs, so this seemed like a good idea.